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E.D. White grad conducts school song 40 years after composing it

E.D. White High School Alumnus of the Year Gibbens Robichaux directs the band in school’s alma mater Friday morning in Thibodaux. Robichaux wrote the song, but had never conducted it.

MATT STAMEY/STAFF

MATTHEW PLEASANTStaff Writer

Published: Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 12:25 a.m.

THIBODAUX -- Forty years after he composed it, Gibbens Robichaux finally got a chance to conduct the Edward Douglas White Catholic High School alma mater.

Robichaux, 77, was honored at the school’s homecoming Mass Friday, where he was named Alumnus of the Year. In 1947 he graduated from Thibodaux College, the boys’ school that combined in 1965 with Mt. Carmel Academy to become E.D. White.

At the ceremony Robichaux accepted an engraved wand and a pair of white gloves from his son, Tim Robichaux, who is the school’s band director. Gibbens Robichaux was asked to conduct the band, which was gathered in the corner of the gymnasium where the ceremony took place.

His son said that his father is a regular visitor to the school, that he often practices with the band, but has never been asked to conduct the alma mater.

"He still comes around and is so involved. He’s always been a positive role model to the kids," his son said. "He is so deserving."

Gibbens wrote the alma mater in 1967, after the school began soliciting submissions. He was giving music lessons at the time, he said, and

composed the song in a 15 minute break between students.

"It just came to me," he said.

Gibbens’ history with music stretches back to his time at Thibodaux College, where he was a member of both the football team and the band. He played the glockenspiel and soprano sax.

After he graduated from Thibodaux College, he attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and later joined the Air Force. He returned to Thibodaux and worked a number of jobs, including playing the organ at St. Joseph Cathedral.

Gibbens said E.D. White is different from other schools in that it teaches it students something more.

"It all comes down to discipline," he said. "Behind it all is the faith."

<p>THIBODAUX -- Forty years after he composed it, Gibbens Robichaux finally got a chance to conduct the Edward Douglas White Catholic High School alma mater.</p><p>Robichaux, 77, was honored at the school’s homecoming Mass Friday, where he was named Alumnus of the Year. In 1947 he graduated from Thibodaux College, the boys’ school that combined in 1965 with Mt. Carmel Academy to become E.D. White.</p><p>At the ceremony Robichaux accepted an engraved wand and a pair of white gloves from his son, Tim Robichaux, who is the school’s band director. Gibbens Robichaux was asked to conduct the band, which was gathered in the corner of the gymnasium where the ceremony took place.</p><p>His son said that his father is a regular visitor to the school, that he often practices with the band, but has never been asked to conduct the alma mater.</p><p>"He still comes around and is so involved. He’s always been a positive role model to the kids," his son said. "He is so deserving."</p><p>Gibbens wrote the alma mater in 1967, after the school began soliciting submissions. He was giving music lessons at the time, he said, and</p><p>composed the song in a 15 minute break between students.</p><p>"It just came to me," he said.</p><p>Gibbens’ history with music stretches back to his time at Thibodaux College, where he was a member of both the football team and the band. He played the glockenspiel and soprano sax.</p><p>After he graduated from Thibodaux College, he attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and later joined the Air Force. He returned to Thibodaux and worked a number of jobs, including playing the organ at St. Joseph Cathedral.</p><p>Gibbens said E.D. White is different from other schools in that it teaches it students something more.</p><p>"It all comes down to discipline," he said. "Behind it all is the faith."</p>